2017 Introduction: Deja Church
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Coming off an Elite Eight berth and with plenty of returning talent, Stanford's women's basketball program carries plenty of momentum into the 2016-2017 season. They're also well positioned in the recruitments of several of the nation's top prep prospects, including standout 2017 Michigan guard Deja Church.
Church, who plays with the Michigan Crossover club team, started hearing from Stanford in around February.
"My AAU coach has a pretty good relationship with the coaching staff because they have recruited other players from our program," Church said. "Coach Paye flew out during my high school season and watched me play and she liked what she saw. We have been in contact ever since."
Many programs are recruiting Church, but she singled out Minnesota, Oklahoma State, DePaul, Michigan, Iowa, Kentucky, Penn State and Northwestern along with the Cardinal among the schools she is considering.
Church is currently working through Stanford's admissions process, which is a key component to every Cardinal recruitment.
"I'm working on the application," Church said. "I'm taking my time on it, making sure that it's as close to perfect as possible. The coaches are a big help to all my questions."
Church has not visited The Farm yet, but she intends to take a trip to Palo Alto if she is admitted.
"I haven't visited the school yet," Church said. "The plan is to visit once I send in my application and get accepted."
Also influenced by Church's potential admission into Stanford? The timing of her college decision. The Southfield-Lathrup High School star would like to ensure the Cardinal is an option in her recruitment. She does hope to make her choice before the start of her senior year.
"My timeline pretty much resolves around Stanford," Church said. "Yes, I have officials set up, but I'm in no rush to make a decision. It's a very big decision in my life and I'm in no rush for things. I want to make a decision before school starts."
Ultimately, Church wants to identify the program that will best suit her academic and life pursuits.
"I'm looking for the best fit for me all around," Church said. "I want to go to a school with a family-oriented program, great academics, and I just want the complete college experience."
Whichever program lands Church will add a guard that will bring athleticism and energy to their team.
"I would describe my style as up tempo," Church said. "I like to run the floor, love to play defense. I bring energy to the floor along with getting my teammates involved."